Chattanooga City Council calls hearing to discuss same sex benefits for city employees

Chattanooga City Council has called a special public hearing Nov. 5 to discuss legislation concerning expanding benefits to city employees in domestic partnerships, which would cover employees in same sex relationships.

The hearing will be held a week before a proposed ordinance will be introduced for a first reading.

City Councilman Chris Anderson announced in late August that he would introduce a bill to expand benefits to employees in same-sex partnerships.

Since that announcement, residents have shown up each week either warning the council to oppose such a measure because it goes against the Bible or have argued for the expansion saying it's only fair for employees.

Chattanooga Mayor Andy Berke has also spoken in support of expanding benefits.